Seoul Issues First Cold Wave Advisory This Winter... Comprehensive Situation Room Operating 24 Hours

Strengthening Citizen Protection and Safety Management of Vulnerable Facilities

On the 8th, the first cold wave advisory of this winter was issued across Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, as a cold wave advisory was issued across Seoul at 9 p.m. that day, it immediately activated the Comprehensive Cold Wave Support Situation Room and will strengthen citizen protection and safety management of vulnerable facilities in cooperation with autonomous districts and related organizations. A cold wave advisory is issued when the morning minimum temperature is expected to remain below minus 12 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days.

On the morning of the 7th, when the temperature dropped below minus 5 degrees Celsius, commuters dressed in thick clothing were passing through the Sejongno intersection in Seoul. Photo by Heo Young-han

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the 25 autonomous districts will operate the Comprehensive Cold Wave Support Situation Room and begin 24-hour emergency duty. The situation room is responsible for monitoring weather conditions, damage status, and responding to any incidents. It is organized and operated with the Situation General Team, Life Support Team, Energy Recovery Team, Medical and Quarantine Team, and Rescue and First Aid Team. The autonomous districts maintain a cooperative system with the Seoul Metropolitan Government by operating situation rooms and stockpiling cold weather and emergency relief supplies.

To prevent casualties caused by the cold wave, the city will call vulnerable elderly citizens to check on their well-being and visit them if calls are unanswered to ensure their safety. For low-income elderly, meals and side dishes will be delivered, and for homeless people on the streets, counseling and patrols will be intensified along with the distribution of cold weather supplies.

Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul Disaster and Safety Office, stated, "Starting tonight, the minimum temperature will drop to minus 12 degrees Celsius, and subzero temperatures are expected to continue day and night for the foreseeable future. We will respond thoroughly to prevent any damage caused by the cold wave."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.